Downtown Los Angeles boasts a vibrant culinary scene, offering a diverse range of lunch options to suit every taste and budget. From gourmet burgers to authentic tacos, and upscale dining to casual cafes, there's something for everyone. This comprehensive guide explores 32 of the best lunch restaurants in Downtown LA, categorized for easy navigation. This list focuses on restaurants known for their lunch service and positive customer reviews. Remember to check restaurant websites or call ahead for hours and availability, especially during peak lunch times.
Quick Bites & Casual Eats: Fueling Your Afternoon
These options are perfect for a quick and satisfying lunch without breaking the bank.
1. Grand Central Market: This historic landmark is a foodie paradise, offering dozens of vendors with diverse cuisines. You can find everything from tacos and pupusas to ramen and gourmet sandwiches. The sheer variety makes it a must-visit for any downtown lunch.
2. Wurstküche: Known for its creative and high-quality sausages, Wurstküche is a popular spot for a casual and flavorful lunch. Their selection extends beyond traditional German sausages, offering unique and exciting options.
3. Eggslut: For a gourmet breakfast or brunch-for-lunch experience, Eggslut is a Downtown LA staple. Their unique egg sandwiches and side dishes are incredibly popular. Be prepared for a queue, especially during peak hours.
4. Smorgasburg LA: (Check for schedule and location as this is a weekly event) This open-air food market offers a rotating selection of food vendors, providing a constantly changing menu of delicious and diverse lunch options.
5. Leo's Tacos Truck: A classic LA taco truck experience, Leo's offers authentic and delicious tacos at incredibly affordable prices. Their al pastor is especially noteworthy.
6. Ramen Tatsunoya: This popular spot offers a variety of ramen dishes for a comforting and flavorful lunch. Their rich broths and perfectly cooked noodles are a highlight.
7. Little Sister: This Vietnamese restaurant provides a casual yet refined lunch experience. Their fresh ingredients and flavorful dishes are sure to please.
Upscale Dining: A Lunchtime Indulgence
These establishments provide a more refined dining experience, perfect for a special occasion or a business lunch.
8. WP24 by Wolfgang Puck: Offering stunning city views, WP24 serves modern Chinese cuisine in a sophisticated setting. Their lunch menu offers a range of smaller plates and set menus.
9. The NoMad Restaurant: Located within The NoMad Hotel, this restaurant provides an elegant and refined dining experience. Their lunch menu offers both classic dishes and creative culinary interpretations.
10. Otium: Located within The Broad museum, Otium offers a modern American menu within a stylish setting. Expect refined dishes with fresh, seasonal ingredients.
11. n/naka: This Michelin-starred Japanese restaurant offers a sophisticated kaiseki lunch experience. Reservations are highly recommended.
12. Cole's: This historic French Dip sandwich establishment is a Downtown LA landmark. Their classic French Dip is a must-try.
Diverse Cuisine: A Culinary Journey
Downtown LA's diverse population is reflected in its many restaurants. Here are some examples, categorized by cuisine:
Mexican:
13. Guerrilla Tacos: This popular taco spot offers unique and creative taco combinations.
14. Guelaguetza: This Oaxacan restaurant offers incredibly flavorful and authentic dishes.
15. La Serenata de Garibaldi: Enjoy traditional Mexican food in a lively and festive atmosphere.
Asian:
16. Din Tai Fung: Known for its world-renowned soup dumplings (xiaolongbao), Din Tai Fung is a must-visit for Asian cuisine lovers.
17. Hanjip Korean Fried Chicken: This popular spot offers delicious Korean fried chicken and other Korean-inspired dishes.
18. Yang Chow: Classic Cantonese dishes in a refined setting.
Italian:
19. Osteria Mozza: This popular Italian restaurant offers fresh and authentic Italian dishes.
20. Bestia: Known for its wood-fired pizzas, Bestia provides a sophisticated Italian dining experience.
American/Other:
21. Bottega Louie: This popular Italian-inspired cafe provides both casual and more formal lunch options.
22. The Edison: This unique restaurant is housed within a beautifully restored power plant. The menu features American classics with a unique twist.
Quick & Healthy Options: Fueling a Productive Afternoon
For those seeking lighter and healthier lunch options, Downtown LA offers several good choices.
23. Sweetfin: This popular poke spot provides healthy and customizable bowls.
24. Mendocino Farms: Offering sandwiches and salads with fresh, high-quality ingredients.
25. Juice Served Here: A great option for healthy juices, smoothies, and light bites.
Hidden Gems & Local Favorites: Discovering Downtown's Culinary Secrets
These restaurants may be slightly less well-known but offer excellent food and a unique experience.
26. Perch: Offers a sophisticated rooftop dining experience with stunning city views.
27. WP24 (already listed above, but worth reiterating due to its exceptional quality)
28. Gracias Madre: This popular vegan Mexican restaurant is known for its incredibly flavorful dishes.
29. Republique: While primarily known for dinner, Republique also offers a high-quality lunch menu.
30. Faith & Flower: Offers a modern American menu with creative dishes and a stunning ambiance.
31. The Brig: Offers classic American dishes in a more casual setting.
32. The Original Farmers Market at The Grove (technically not downtown but close by): A classic farmers market experience with diverse food vendors.
This list is not exhaustive, but it provides a great starting point for exploring the diverse and exciting lunch scene in Downtown Los Angeles. Happy eating! Remember to check hours and make reservations when needed, especially for popular spots.
